Sawtelle-based medical imaging company RadNet Inc. is going even deeper into the use of artificial intelligence.

On Nov. 11, RadNet subsidiary Deep Health Inc. announced a strategic collaboration with Chicago-based GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. The goal: “To further the innovation, commercialization and adoption of AI in imaging,” according to the announcement.

RadNet acquired Deep Health, a radiology AI and machine learning firm then based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2020. At the time, Deep Health was developing AI algorithms focused on 3D breast imaging to help radiologists interpret the images.

GE HealthCare has developed a broad array of digital diagnostic tools, including its own 3D mammography system known as Senographe Pristina. Besides this technology, GE HealthCare Technologies has deep pockets, with 2023 revenue of $19.6 billion.

The two companies aim to integrate Deep Health’s mammography AI technology into GE HealthCare’s Senographe Pristina system. The hope is to get more rapid alerts of suspicious lesions to imaging providers – ideally on the same day. Currently, it can take two or more days to produce an interpretation of a mammogram, with even longer turnaround times if there’s a shortage of radiologists to review the mammograms. 

As part of the collaboration, GE HealthCare has agreed to distribute Deep Health’s SmartMammo system to imaging providers throughout the nation as part of its own suite of digital imaging technologies.

In addition, the two companies will explore additional research and development opportunities within the field of AI-assisted imaging.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with GE HealthCare to accelerate the adoption of AI-powered technologies in radiology,” Kees Wesdorp, president and chief executive of RadNet’s digital health division, said in the announcement.

“By combining our pioneering cloud-native operating system, DeepHealth operating system, and our AI-powered health informatics portfolio with GE HealthCare’s cutting-edge imaging technology, we are poised to revolutionize large-scale diagnostic and screening programs, streamline radiology workflows, and improve patient outcomes,” Wesdorp added. “This collaboration aims to empower health care providers with the tools they need to deliver more effective and personalized care at scale.”

Investors welcomed the collaboration agreement, sending RadNet shares up 19% to $86.38 on Nov. 11, immediately after the agreement was announced. The share price has slipped a bit since then, closing Nov. 19
at $79.85.